Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair follicle analysis is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair contains a prolonged record of substances by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to around 3 months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing roughly 200 hair strands (resembling the size of a standard #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp will have 100mg of hair, which is optimal for assessment and verification. For EtG extensions, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be utilized. When addressing head hair, it refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This entails confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional information not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid examination for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples with presumptive positive results during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to hair drug testing being the most intricate methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive Screening result occurs via techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation guidelines.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Businesses in Cascade, WI, are increasingly recognizing the advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests. The former provides increased reliability in detecting various substances.
The accuracy and broad detection window of hair testing significantly outmatch that of urine testing. It delivers a more comprehensive profile of past substance use, ensuring superior detection capabilities.
Offering an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Cascade, WI, can identify drug use over a 90-day period. This allows for a thorough assessment of a user's drug history.
Employers can leverage this testing to understand an individual's drug habits better, making informed decisions based on long-term substance use data.
Hair follicle tests conducted in Cascade, WI, present a strong defense against sample tampering. The integrity of these tests is difficult to compromise, ensuring trust and reliability.
The rigorous collection and analysis processes make tampering nearly impossible, granting unquestioned confidence in the results obtained.
Accredited Drug Testing in Cascade, WI, provides convenient access to nationwide testing centers. This widespread availability ensures that drug testing is both quick and hassle-free.
Local clients benefit from multiple accessible centers, offering streamlined testing processes supported by a robust national infrastructure.
In Cascade, WI, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. Ordering a test, providing a sample, and receiving results are all designed to respect user privacy.
The confidentiality of each step ensures peace of mind, making it easy for individuals to undergo testing without privacy concerns.
Offering competitive pricing, hair follicle testing in Cascade, WI, delivers quick turnaround times, providing businesses with excellent value.
Our affordable pricing structure does not compromise the quality of service, making it an attractive option for entities of varying scales.
Hair follicle testing in Cascade, WI, offers swift and precise insights into substance use. The technique detects a wide array of substances with superior accuracy, ensuring dependable results.
Compared to other tests, the processing speed and analysis of hair samples provide quick yet detailed findings. This ensures stakeholders receive timely and accurate information about drug usage.
Incorporating hair follicle testing aligns with maintaining drug-free worksites in Cascade, WI. This method assists in compliance with drug policies, minimizing potential legal issues.
Employers can relax knowing that their practices promote a safer, more productive work environment through the reliable detection of substance use.
